Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
A thin patty pressed hard onto a hot griddle for a lacy crust, stacked with American cheese, the post-pandemic burger style Santa Monica took to Main Street.
The smashed patty came out of American griddle culture and swept LA during the pandemic pop-up era; Heavy Handed started as one of those pop-ups before opening on Main Street in Santa Monica, smashing short-rib-blend patties, frying in beef tallow and finishing with Straus soft serve. The style is now the city's default casual burger.
2 editor picks for The smashburger in Santa Monica, ranked by editorial score. All Santa Monica signature dishes · The smashburger across every city.
Heavy Handed smashes short-rib-blend patties on Main Street in Santa Monica, beef tallow fries and Straus soft serve from a pandemic pop-up made good.
OrderDouble smashburger with beef tallow fries
TipDouble smash with American cheese, fries in tallow, soft serve after; the line moves faster than it looks.
HiHo Cheeseburger griddles 100 percent grass-fed wagyu from First Light Farm on 2nd Street in Santa Monica, a classic double for fast-casual money.
OrderDouble cheeseburger, mustard-grilled, with fries
TipThe mustard-grilled double with onions is the order; it is counter service, so grab a booth before you order.
The smashburger makes more sense with someone from Santa Monica explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Step into the glamor of old Hollywood as you dine at historic restaurants once graced by silver screen legends. Explore top-rated contemporary fare and diverse immigra...
Guided tour · 6 hours
Spend a day surfing in Los Angeles with local experts. Visit two iconic surf breaks in Southern California, learn about the history of the beaches, and enjoy a picnic ...
Guided tour · 1h 30m
Enjoy a luxury guided boat cruise and explore wildlife and nature in Marina del Rey aboard an electric Duffy cruiser, with wine and refreshments or an optional romanti...
